Apple's new HomePod mini only costs $149

Just in case new iPhones weren't enough, Apple also announced the HomePod mini today - a smaller, more affordable version of its Siri-powered smart speaker. While the full-sized HomePod retails for $469, the new HomePod mini will set you back just $149.

While the HomePod mini is just 8.5cm, Apple says it delivers an "audio experience unheard of in a speaker this size". This is partially achieved by some smarts. The HomePod mini is powered by an Apple S5 chip - the same processor you'll find in an Apple Watch SE - which allows it to adjust how your music sounds 180 times per second.

The HomePod mini can be used for multi-room groups, and Apple says the speakers will intelligently create stereo pairs when in the same room.

One of the biggest restrictions of the original HomePod was that you could only listen to music from Apple Music. Apple will address this later this year with support for third party streaming services including Amazon Music, Pandora, TuneIn, and iHeartRadio. Spotify is a notable omission, however.

The HomePod mini will also be able to recognise different voices, act as an intercom around your house, and play songs based on lyrics.

HomePod mini pre-orders will start on November 6 ahead of a November 16 release. You'll be able to get in a choice of white or space grey.

Notably, the HomePod mini's $149 price-tag will put it directly in competition with the new Google Nest Audio and the fourth generation Amazon Echo.

Alex Choros

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Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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